Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has defended her influential role in encouraging President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 race following his poor debate performance against Donald Trump. Despite not having spoken with Joe or Jill Biden since the withdrawal, Pelosi emphasized that Democrats did not lose House seats and claimed the outcome might have been different with Biden on the ticket. Tensions remain high, with Jill Biden expressing disappointment over Pelosi’s actions, which she described as particularly painful given their decades-long friendship. When asked if reconciliation was possible, Pelosi maintained hope but reiterated the importance of focusing on their shared mission for the American people.

A new book, Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House, provides deeper insight into Pelosi’s efforts, revealing that she tried to prevent Vice President Kamala Harris from becoming the Democratic nominee. According to co-authors Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes, Pelosi believed Harris couldn’t win and worked behind the scenes to ensure Democrats had an alternative. Fox News’ Jesse Watters noted that Biden was especially angry with Pelosi, reportedly naming her first among those he wouldn’t forgive. The internal Democratic conflict and Pelosi’s push to sideline both Biden and Harris marked a dramatic chapter in party politics, culminating in Biden’s historic withdrawal. Ultimately, Pelosi’s controversial decisions shaped the Democratic Party’s trajectory, with lasting implications for relationships at the top of its leadership.